Posts Tagged ‘writing’

In his blog post of October 21, 2011, literary agent/consultant/author Michael Larsen says: “Every word in a nonfiction proposal has to be right. The sample chapter has to be as enjoyable to read as it is informative. The proposal has to generate as much excitement as possible in as few words as possible. But even that may be a small part of the challenge for arousing the interest of agents.”

Michael quotes Jack Canfield and fellow agent Rita Rosenkranz:

Chicken Souperman Jack Canfield says: “A book is like an iceberg: Writing is 10%; marketing is 90%.”

Rita Rosenkranz says: “… publishers aren’t buying promise, they’re buying proof.”

Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan here to say: “The same demands from publishers on authors of nonfiction also apply to authors of fiction. Why? Publishing is a business. Why wouldn’t publishers prefer to invest in best-selling authors and celebrity-authors?  These authors have fanbases. Fans buy books. You too have fans–in your circle of loved ones and friends. The secret is to build your fanbase and fortify it with a platform.  WHAT is a platform? Making your name stand for something—to attract targeted consumers who are likely to buy what you have to sell. What are you selling?  Your literary work.”

You can sneak preview the 2 exercises for Day 1 from my workbook, Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days, by clicking on this link:

http://www.amazon.com/Build-Writers-Platform-Fanbase-ebook/dp/B005J9ZEIA/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2#reader_B005J9ZEIA

Sincerely,

Coach Teresa

Teresa LeYung-Ryan says: “Reach out, not stress out, when pursuing your dreams!”

Writing Career Coach/Manuscript Consultant

Author of Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW (print edition & eBook edition)
Author of the novel Love Made of Heart (inspires adult children of mentally ill parents to speak openly about the stigmas and find resources for their families)

Two fabulous classes (writing & researching) this weekend at Book Passage, Corte Madera store

51 Tamal Vista Blvd., Corte Madera, California  94925

Saturday Oct. 8, 2011,  2:15-5:15pm

Lynn Henriksen – Keep Spirits Alive: Write the Mother Memoir $65

Henriksen demystifies the writing process—making it doable. You’ll find keys to unlock memories and learn to create short, telling tales with energy and honesty. Through exercises, sharing, and feedback you’ll merge imagination, intuition, and truth with all your senses.

If you miss this class, visit Lynn Henriksen’s blog http://telltalesouls.com/blog/

Sunday Oct. 9, 2011, 1:00-2:30pm

Geri Spieler – Super Sleuthing $40
Journalist and investigative reporter Geri Spieler explains Internet research techniques that writers need to know. Learn 11 unique “search engine strings” that go way beyond the typical Google search and cut your research time in half. Discover free over-research tools that include directories, databases, graphics, periodicals, government documents, and references. Spieler is the author of the award-winning Taking Aim At The President: The Remarkable Story Of The Woman Who Shot At Gerald Ford.

If you miss this class, visit Geri Spieler’s site http://www.gerispieler.com/

Coach Teresa here, cheering for Lynn, Geri, and all writers and readers!

Teresa LeYung-Ryan

“Reach out, not stress out, when pursuing your dreams.”

http://writingcoachteresa.com

Also, Teresa is the author of Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW (ebook Kindle edition $9.81 print edition $22)

Are There Publishing-Writing Opportunities for Students-Young Writers-Children?

The Capitol City Young Writers have opened submissions for a literary journal by writers aged 10-18. Deadline is March 15, 2011. Check it out and help spread the word. Thank you, Linda McCabe and Margie Yee Webb, for telling me.

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On January 22nd Elisa Southard will be co-chairing the judging for the Bay Area Travel Writers Student Contest Submission deadline was January 1, 2011.  Keep them in mind later in the year so that you can get in on their next contest.  How perfect for Elisa Southard, the travel writer, to co-chair this event. Elisa is working on a new book—Big City Travel Skills–for young, first-time travelers.

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The Mt. Diablo Branch of California Writers Club
Young Writers Workshops and Contest “Honoring a New Generation of California Writers”
6th – 7th – 8th Grades,  Contra Costa County, California

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Check out Stone Soup for young writers and artists

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Sincerely,

Teresa LeYung Ryan–creator of “Heroes, Tricksters & Villains” workshop for young writers

Manuscript Consultant / Writing Career Coach / Author / Publisher

http://WritingCoachTeresa.com and click on “Writers’ Resources”

August is Happiness Happens Month.

I write about modern courageous women unbeknownst to themselves—my favorite archetype.

This month I celebrate two friends Olga Malyj and Yolande Barial (both August Happiness babies) who embody that archetype.

I met Olga Malyj through work when we were both in our early twenties.  Her work ethics, kindness, and resourcefulness compelled me to intentionally seek her out as friend and role model.  For about six months Olga joined the writing-critique group I was with (Evelyn Miche, Theresa Stephenson and I wanted to bring back our number to 4 when Cat moved back East).  During that time Olga fictionalized stories about her mother as a young woman in the Ukraine. I was mesmerized by the authentic details Olga used.

Fast forward . . . Even though Olga has chosen other outlets to express her creativity, her ability to use language in verbal and written communications is stronger than ever.

Olga Malyj is Consultant/Owner at Malyj Consulting. Her forte is in Business Development where she helps business owners effectively manage multi-cultural staffs, projects, global virtual teams, and strategic partnerships.  http://www.linkedin.com/in/olgamalyj

In her community, she is an advocate for public libraries and schools.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

A want ad (to work at the regional park district) brought Yolande Barial into my life.  She was about to become a mom for the first time and I subbed for her when she was on maternity leave.  That was 15 years ago.  Yolande speaks and practices her words-of-wisdom.  One of my favorite Yolande-ism is “Do your job. Go home.”

That’s a helpful reminder for many of us who work part-time or full-time at our homes.  Writing, researching, promoting, networking, mentoring—that’s a lot of work (sometimes thankless work)—we need to take breaks for the simple pleasures in our home lives.

A week ago I was at Yolande’s & Monica’s joint birthday party where I witnessed Yolande’s latest rendition of her profound poem DIVA.  Brava!

Yolande Barial is the founder of Your Words Project: Speaking on Purpose which seeks to enrich the lives of sisters of all ages and ethnicities through spoken word and other forms of creative expression. http://yolandebarial.wordpress.com/about/ YWP encourages girls and women to value each others individuality and nurture and honor that individuality.

This month I celebrate my 2 dear friends (and my darling sister whose birthday was pre-August).
Sincerely,
Teresa LeYung Ryan
author of Love Made of Heart

To comment on any of my columns (blog posts), just click on the blue title bar of the post, fill in the boxes and press “submit.”  Please click here for my blog’s most current post http://lovemadeofheart.com/blog/

As an author and community spirit, Teresa LeYung Ryan speaks out for public libraries, honors immigrant-stories, advocates compassion for mental illness, and helps survivors of violence find their own voices through writing.

November 15, 2009

A week ago, I saw a plastic bag of dog poop sitting beside the curb in front of my home. Well, whoever left it there probably had an emergency to take care of (maybe the dog ran off to chase a squirrel and so the human had to run after the dog). No doubt, the following day when human and dog come by on their walk, the human would see the abandoned bag and say to himself/herself: “Oh, look. I’ll dispose of this today.”

Another two days go by.  The bag is now flattened (probably by a neighbor’s tire) and some of the poop has oozed out.
What is it with dog poop in my path?

Last year, dog excrement (sans bag) was sitting on the sidewalk at the corner. I almost stepped on it when I was approaching the trunk of my car to get my walking shoes. After my walk around the neighborhood, I called my Constructive Living Instructor Patricia Ryan Madson. “Patricia,” I asked, “Am I supposed to pick it up?”
Patricia didn’t have to answer. I just wanted to hear the logic:  In practicing Constructive Living, I could stay annoyed (in this case–a neighbor has not picked up after his/her pet) or I could “take care of what’s in front of me.”  My friend Marie Elena Gaspari (also a writing coach) speaks the same wisdom.

Today, I told my hubby about what’s lying on the street.  He offered to dispose of the mess.  I knew “who” needed to clean the mess.
It’s late afternoon now.   I know that when I go outside again, I will see a clean street because I took care of what was in front of me.

As a writing coach, I remind myself that in a story the protagonist has to be the one who takes action or suffer the consequences of being a “passive character.”

How can dog poop help your writing?  Don’t let your protagonist be passive.

August 23, 2009

Authors Teresa LeYung Ryan, Luisa Adams, Martha Alderson at Peninsula Festival-San Mateo County Fair

What did I do today?

Got ready for a gig at the San Mateo County Fair/Peninsula Festival (with buddies/authors Luisa Adams and Martha Alderson):

Packed poster of my novel Love Made of Heart; 18 copies of the book; book stands for my book and my buddies’ books; color programs; camera; recorder; show-and-tell material.

Ate hearty breakfast of last night’s leftovers.  Exchanged “Have a fun day!” with my hubby.

Loaded the trunk of my car; off to Luisa’s house so that she, Martha and I can take one car to the festival.

I had told Tory Hartmann, president of California Writers Club-Peninsula Branch (the one who got CWC this gig), that we would arrive by 12:30 (for 1:00 show time). The line of vehicles to the parking lot was longer than a thousand-page novel, and, it was now 12:26.  Don’t panic.  With Luisa’s calmness and Martha’s encouragement, I got into another lane that zipped us to the  entrance.

Show biz. Always be on time. Alexandra King, Co-Director for the stage, recognized us (from our photos) as we rushed into the Expo Hall.  Literary Arts Director of the Peninsula Festival Bardi Rosman Koodrin warmly greeted us.  A joy to work with professionals.

Fellow CWC member Christopher Wachlin (he had presented on Tuesday) was there, and, he said “yes” to taking photos of us 3 on stage. Thank you, Chris!

Tory Hartmann, who had presented on Tuesday as well, moderated our panel.
Questions she asked:

1.  “How did you (Teresa LeYung Ryan, Luisa Adams, Martha Alderson) meet each other?”

2.  “What advice do you have for anyone who wants to write for a readership?”

3.  “What does your writing-life look like?

Teresa, Martha, Luisa answering questions from Tory

Answer to #1  The 1997 and 1998 Jack London Writers Conference brought Luisa and Martha into my life; we’ve been buddies since, being each other’s safety net in this fiercely competitive arena called the publishing world.

Answer to #2  Writing is lonesome work. Go out and be with other writers, exchange ideas and leads, find mentors, learned from those who have accomplished what you are pursuing. Where do you find these people?  Writers’ organizations.  Writers’ Conferences.

More info on California Writers Club— www.calwriters.org

http://www.cwc-peninsula.org

More info on Jack London Writers Conference— http://jacklondonwritersconference.org

Answer to #3  My writing life (today) is preparing for the gig, showing up, having fun.

After we 3 did our job, we supported the festival’s food vendors and ate 4-H’s baked goods. Asked kind strangers to take photos of us in front of roller coaster and giant slide. What a colorful scene!

Back to the stage area to take photos of our colleague Geri Spieler. More photos with Tory, Bardi, and Alexandra. Also part of the writer’ life–show up in the community and have proofs of your showing up.

Back to Luisa’s, said goodbyes.  Came home, swapped “How-was-your-day?” with my hubby, emailed the photos to everyone (at event) who might want to use them for their portfolios, websites, blogs.

After I post this blog, I’ll work on my new book:  YOUR PUBLISHING JOURNEY: BUILD YOUR FAME WHILE WRITING

Geri Spieler, Bardi Rosman Koodrin, Tory Hartmann and colleagues at 2009 Peninsula Festival

Student Intern Nadia helps Teresa

Teresa LeYung Ryan is delighted

As a writing-career coach, I advise my clients to find interns to help them with research, correspondence, and sending out press releases so that they can free up time to launch new projects. I am happy to say that I have found a reliable student intern to help me this summer. Nadia is her name. While I’m busy with library advocacy in Oakland, CA, Nadia is compiling a mailing list for me so that I can let folks know that my publisher, Kensington Publishing in New York, has lowered the price of the hardcover of Love Made of Heart from $23 to $16.10. I am so pleased to have this dependable young lady in my corner. Thank you, Nadia!

The novel:  Love Made of Heart (archived in the San Francisco History
Center)

Teresa LeYung Ryan uses her mother-daughter novel Love Made of Heart to:
•    shed light on stigmas suffered by immigrants
•    advocate compassion for mental illness
•    help survivors of family violence find their own voices

www.LoveMadeOfHeart.com

http://savethelibraries.spaces.live.com/

http://www.kensingtonbooks.com/catalog.cfm?dest=itempg&itemid=6274&secid=83&linkon=subsection&linkid=1793

Teresa LeYung Ryan has been helping writers since her mother-daughter
novel Love Made of Heart was published. As a manuscript consultant and
writing-career coach, she helps her clients identify themes and
archetypes, polish their manuscripts, and map out their careers. As a
community spirit, Teresa advocates compassion for mental illness and she
helps survivors of family violence find their own voices through writing.
Her website www.LoveMadeOfHeart.com offers resources for readers and
writers.

Thursday, Feb. 19, 2009

I just got home from being with 26 writers who showed up to help each other, and, I am still smiling.

Thank you, Marlene, for having created the Writers Forum of Petaluma. What a caring community you have attracted!

Tonight, Mickie, Carol, Jeanne, Malena, Nancy, Claudia, Eva, Elaine, Catherine, Susan, Christina, Connie, John, Janice, Meta, Armando, Linda, Brenda, Nancy, Mona, Dave, Sharon, Karen, Pat, Elizabeth and Marlene all helped me facilitate “Swap Meet/Circle of Sharing.”

These generous writers brought items from the list I had presented to Marlene months ago. Items included: Submission guidelines from agents and publishers; publications that accept unsolicited submissions; info on writers’ conferences, classes, workshops, writing contests; calendar of community events.

What was the purpose of the swap meet? To demonstrate that there are opportunities for all of us to sharpen our writing and marketing skills (conferences, workshops), compete for awards (contests), identify publications or agents, acquisition editors and publishers most suitable for the type of writing we wish to sell; be in the greater community to build relationships and write about the experiences.

Be the Matchmaker for Your Writing:

How to find the “right” agent or publisher (for books) or the “right” publication (for articles, essays, short stories, poetry): Examples: If you write novels for teens, pitch your work to agents or publishers who specialize in selling that genre. If you write personal essays, submit your work to publications that typically publish personal essays. Sending your work to places that don’t have the readership/audience for your type of writing is “rejection waiting to happen.” In other words: “Give them what they want.”

Honoring Instructions:

Whether you’re looking at submission guidelines or writing-contest rules, create a checklist so that you don’t miss any steps. In any competition, the contestants who follow instructions make the first cut. Again… “Give them what they want.”

Be True to Yourself:

What if you don’t want a website or a blog, not even an email address? That’s okay. You don’t want them because you don’t need them right now. Don’t force yourself. When the need arises, then, reconsider. Focus on what needs to be done, right now. If what needs to be done is your writing a letter to a friend who suffered a loss, then, that piece of writing would be the greatest gift you can give to your friend and yourself. If a mentor/colleague/friend says: “Everyone is doing [it] and if you want to succeed you’d better do [it] too!” . . . but your intuition says: “I’m not comfortable with the idea” . . . please trust your inner voice. My motto: I do what brings me joy and light; stress I don’t want.

Reaching Out (not stressing out):

Because we are writers, we can do outreach without leaving our homes.

We can write:

* “Letters to the Editor.”
* Book reviews on Amazon.com or bookstores’ websites or publishers’ websites or authors’ websites.
* Thank you notes to people who have inspired us.
* Tips on how to have fun and excel (in our hobbies).
* About our experiences after attending an event or receiving service (this could be as simple as posting a rating and review on YELP.com)
* on our blogs and post comments on other people’s blogs.
* an article for our club’s newsletter. Offer to write a recap of a meeting (focus on what you gained).

Why do I write?

· To connect with the reader on an emotional level.

· To speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.

· To honor the people in the stories.

Why do YOU write?

“Goodnight and sweet dreams” to the awesome members of the Writers Forum of Petaluma who made “circle of sharing” a huge success. I encourage you to do a little outreach with the members who were not able to show up tonight. Ask each other these questions: “How are you doing with your project? What do you need to get to the next step?”

Sincerely,

Teresa LeYung Ryan

http://LoveMadeOfHeart.com/blog

Visit: www.thewritespot.us for more information on the Writers Forum of Petaluma.

Teresa LeYung Ryan’s Tips for Success

In the fiercely competitive arena of the publishing world, how does one stand out in a crowd? Building relationships is one key to success in this business. Another key is to know how to translate the themes from your life to your writing and articulate those themes as community concerns. I want to see all hardworking writers realize their dreams.

• Make every word count—especially in your query letter and synopsis.

• Research when looking for an agent or acquisition editor/publisher. Who are their clients? How well are they connected in the industry?

• Learn about the industry yourself. Join organizations; talk to people in the business; find mentors; find joyful ways to network and gain resources.

• Say “Thank you” whenever anyone helps you. Being courteous goes a long way.

• Surround yourself with people who are supportive of your dreams and encourage others to do the same.

• Keep voicemails and E-mails succinct. Use bullet-points when asking questions.

• Follow-through will save you from “I assumed…” headaches.
• Remember that perseverance + talent + business savvy = dreams come true.

www.LoveMadeOfHeart.com